Nope Not at All
By Patrick Kingcaid w/Mid Tn Outdoors
So let’s get this out of the way right now, NO you do not have to have a four-wheel drive to overland. This fall I will show you that you do not have to have a four-wheel drive to overland as I will set out to overland Daniel Boone National Forest in my 2010 Nissan Titan, which is almost as stock as you get. Now the only thing I have done at this point is put a little better tires and some other bits.
Sure you’re not going to be able to hit every side trail on the map, but you can still get to some pretty amazing places. We did a test run mid-summer up to DBNF and it went pretty well. One of the best things to help you determine rather you can go down a trail or not is maps or GPS apps. Side note if you’re running or going to run a GPS app download the maps before you go. Been there and done that. I know a lot of USFS maps and such will tell you the type of roads you have ahead of you. Another side notes some of the roads that they say are dirt roads may have been improved. If you’re in doubt of a road turn around or bypass it. No shame in doing so.
Will highly recommend two things you should have in a kit if you can afford them is, one some way to communicate with the outside world other than a cell. I always have a GMRS radio in my truck (GMRS license required 35 dollars and you’re good) The second way I have is a satellite communicator (mine is a Zoleo plan required). The second thing you should always have is food and water, please take more than you think you should need just in case the worse happens.
I also push you to reach out to Facebook groups or clubs in the area you are going to and ask if there are areas you should stay away from. Also, you can reach out to USFS or NFS, or a State agency if you have questions. They had rather you do that than just go for it and the agency has to come to rescue your butt which could be quite costly to yourself. Remember you need to know the limits of your car or truck, also remember you have to drive it home at the end of the trip!!!
Now I know just touched on bits and pieces of this topic at this point and I don’t want to overwhelm you with too much yet. Down the road or trail I will be adding more tips and ideas on this topic in the future, so stay tuned.
Mid Tn Outdoors 